Meet Our Staff
Melitta Fielding
Team Leader & Registered Teacher
Kia ora, my name is Mel. I am the Team Leader at Dorie Preschool and have been for 12 months. You will find me in the Kea Room, Monday-Thursday.
I live in Leeston with my partner, two children and two dogs.
I love Dorie Community Preschool, we get to build a special bond with the Tamariki and have meaningful relationships with whanau and the wider community.
Ashleigh Ligtenberg
Part-time Administrator
Kia Ora,
I am Ashleigh. I have been working at Dorie Preschool since 2022. I thoroughly enjoy working in a unique rural setting, amongst fabulous teaching staff and for a Centre that provides an excellent programme with large spaces for the children to explore with a variety of learning experiences.
I live in Rakaia with my partner, 6year old son and 9month old daughter. In our spare time we love to get outdoors and spend time with friends and family.
You can find me in the Office 3days a week – Mon/Wed/Thu. I look forward to getting to know your whanau 😊
Kiwi Room Kaiako
Jo Dennett
Kiwi Room: Teacher
Kia Ora,
My name is Jo, I have been working in the ECE sector for 15years. I started working at Dorie Community Preschool 8years ago, where I have spent 5years in the Kiwi Room (Nursery). I have lived in Rakaia for 20 years with my family and have been actively involved with local sport and clubs with my three now adult children.
Working with Tamariki, watching their imagination and creative skills grow through activities and play, and watching Tamariki learn and achieve for me is one of the best feelings.
Sindiswa Mshengu
Kiwi Room: Teacher
Kia ora, my name is Sindiswa Mshengu, a preschool teacher with a heart for early childhood education.
I started working at Dorie Community Preschool last year (2024), I'm thrilled to work with a team of lovely colleagues and supportive parents, and I'm eager to continue growing as I pursue full qualification through the Teaching Council registration process.
Taneka Mewes
Kiwi Room: Teacher in Training
Kia Ora,
My name is Taneka, I live in Chertsey with my partner and two children, I have been with Dorie Preschool since Jan 2024 and love our community setting.
I am in my first year studying towards my Bachelor in ECE, you will mostly see me in the Kiwi room but do help support our Kea room from time to time.
I look forward to meeting you and your Tamariki soon.
Lisa Robson
Kiwi Room: Teacher in Training
Kia Ora, my name is Lisa. I have one daughter who also attends Dorie Preschool since March 2024, she is absolutely thriving here.
Becoming a Kaiako here at Dorie Preschool has been such a rewarding experience, I am in my first year of study in ECE and thank Dorie preschool for giving me this opportunity. I love working with children and watching them grow into confident learners
Kea Room Kaiako
Yvonne Dalglish
Kea Room: Registered Teacher
Kia Ora, my name is Yvonne.
I was born in Masterton and raised on a sheep and beef farm, which instilled in me a strong work and appreciation for rural life.
After completing my secondary schooling in Masterton, I trained to become a teacher in Wellington. My journey took me to the South Island, where I lived on a farm in Le Bons Bay, raising four children. After two decades away from teaching, I returned as Head Teacher on the peninsula before recently moving to Pendarves with my husband, who took on a new opportunity in cropping.
I look forward to meeting the Tamariki in our community.
Mia An
Kea Room: Registered Teacher
Kia Ora, I’m Mia.
I’m really happy to be part of the team here at Dorie Community Preschool. I’m passionate about creating a calm, supportive environment where Tamariki feel safe, confident, and curious. I love seeing their personalities shine and watching them grow through everyday experiences and play. Being part of their learning journey is something I find special.
I live with my partner and our playful dog. In my free time, I enjoy watching movies, going for walks, and discovering hidden gems — especially cozy little cafes or spots with great food. I’m looking forward to connecting more with the wonderful Tamariki and whānau in our community.
Jordan Todd
Kea Room: Teacher in Training
Kia Ora, my name is Jordan, and I am one of the Kaiako in the Kea room at Dorie Preschool.
I live in Rakaia with my four children, and I am currently in my first year of training to become a qualified ECE Teacher. I’m passionate about watching Tamariki learn and grow, and I look forward to being part of your Tamariki’s learning journey.
Nicci Heffernan
Kea Room: Registered Teacher
Hello,
I’m Nicci. I grew up on a high-country farm in East Otago. I studied at Lincoln University then went to Australia and lived in Sydney for several years.
I recently finished a Bachelor of Education, and my passion is teaching literature and mathematics to young students.
I am passionate about young people’s futures and how their backgrounds can influence my ability to help them learn and progress.
I absolutely love books and reading.
Come join me.
